Is It Safer to Wear Helmets Inside Cars?

The idea of wearing helmets while inside a car may seem unusual and unnecessary, but it raises an interesting question. Despite there being no explicit laws in most places banning this practice, the thought of a police officer pulling you over might make it seem like a bad idea.

Historical Observations

Back in the 1980s, I noticed someone driving a mid-1970s New Yorker with a helmet on. My initial reaction was that the person must be nuts, but then I realized it could be due to a medical condition necessitating such protection. This was the only instance I have ever observed this practice.

Arguments Against Wearing Helmets

Despite race car drivers wearing helmets, the rationale for not wearing one while driving a car is often justified by practical concerns. Wearing a helmet could restrict your movements and your ability to see outside your vehicle, as turning your head to look out the window from one side might become difficult. It could also affect your ability to hear traffic sounds from the road, which could be essential for safety.

The primary argument against wearing a helmet inside a car is that modern vehicles, particularly those designed with airbags, are already equipped to protect you in all but the most violent accidents. However, this argument shifts when we consider racing conditions. In a racing environment, the speed and the close proximity to other vehicles make a helmet indispensable.

Modern Cars and Safety Gear

Modern cars come with advanced safety features like airbags that mitigate the risk of injury in most accidents. However, there is a downside to relying solely on these features. Broken bones can heal over time, but brain damage can lead to severe and irreversible consequences. A helmet can provide additional protection against such injuries.

Challenges and Potential Solutions

A significant issue with wearing a helmet inside a car is that traditional headrests are designed for a head without a helmet. A helmet pushes the head further forward, increasing the risk of certain types of whiplash injuries. However, this issue could be addressed by designing headrests that account for the possibility of wearing a helmet, potentially increasing the overall safety of the vehicle at a lower cost than installing multiple airbags.

The use of helmets in cars is not without precedent. Cycling helmets do not significantly hinder visibility or hearing. Moreover, they can protect the brain from impact with the windshield or side windows, which can occur during a violent car accident. While it is true that not everyone is at risk of brain damage, the potential benefits of such a safety measure cannot be overlooked.

Overall, while the idea of wearing helmets while driving might initially seem outlandish, it is a topic worth considering as advanced safety measures continue to evolve. Until there is a standardized solution, it is up to individuals to weigh the potential benefits against the practical drawbacks.